Willard Selleck Gideon

I was a former Combat Marine in Vietnam 67-68 and I can say with certainty that we Marines were very grateful for the combat pilots helping us survive another day. Many years later I joined the Air Force and was assigned to his command at base supply. As a former Combat Marine we shared a lot of memories. He is a superb officer and a genuine man. May he rest in peace .

I am saddened to hear of the passing of this extraordinary human being. I had his POW bracelet for years and with the help of my sister in law, was able to locate Mr. Gideon. I was able to speak to him on the telephone a few times. He was so gracious. I sent the bracelet to him with a card. I know he was happy to get it. Such an extraordinary life. I know his family and friends are so proud of him, as I am and I honor his spirit. Somebody to be proud of. He loved his country and I forever...

His name was on my POW bracelet. I'm sorry to hear of his passing

TO A GREAT AIRMAN, AND TRUE FRIEND. I REMEMBER WELL THE DAY YOU AND JEANNINE WERE MARRIED AND HOW HAPPY YOU BOTH WERE, AND THE DAY YOU LOST YOUR HOME FROM HUGO. YOU HAD SUCH A POSTIVE OUT LOOK ON THAT DAY, AS YOU SAID, "YOU HAD SEEN WORST DAYS", AND WELL YOU HAD. I WILL MISS YOU, BUT WILL NOT GRIEVE YOU, AS I KNOW YOU ARE FREE TO BE WITH OUR LORD.YOUR PARTING HAS LEFT A VOID THAT WE MUST REMEMBER WITH JOY. PERHAPS YOUR TIME SEEMED ALL TOO BRIEF YET WE MUST LIFT UP OUR HEARTS KNOWING THAT GOD...

From pre-aviation cadets at Enid AFB in 1952 it's been my honor to have known you. Will be looking for you again someday up in the "wild blue yonder."

Have a safe flight, my friend.